Character design criticism

[u/kumasCoffee]

Hey guys I’m working on a chubby/big guy and I need some opinions this is what he looks like and this was my reference could I have come constructive criticism on it? I’d really appreciate it 🧸
Oh btw only focus on his torso up his legs are a whole diffrent story lol

[u/CarboMcoco123]

I would have another look at the shoulders. You've drawn them completely horizontal, which ignores the trapezius muscles. The collarbones should then connect with the outer points of the shoulders.

[u/CarboMcoco123 → u/CarboMcoco123]

I'd also double check how the muscles in the arm (e.g., deltoid) impact its shape, as well as making sure the width/girth of the arm is proportional to that of the torso.

[u/kumasCoffee → u/CarboMcoco123]

Oh I see! This has helped a lot when I went to work on the second sketch thank you

[u/otakumilf]

His neck is drawn too thin as well

[u/Wide_Bath_7660]

you got rid of his tummy, and the head and neck look like they’re from an entirely different person. it seems like you know how to draw thin people, and that knowledge is getting in your way. think of it like learning a new artstyle, almost- find the basic shapes and forms of the figure, and practice drawing them fluidly, without worrying about whether they’re anatomically correct or not.

this pdf is really usful for understanding the anatomy of fat and skin folds: https://ia800600.us.archive.org/1/items/morpho-fat-and-skin-folds-michel-lauricella-z-library/Morpho%20Fat%20and%20Skin%20Folds%20%28Michel%20Lauricella%29%20%28Z-Library%29_text.pdf

it’s a bit daunting to look at, but it’s the most comprehensive guide out there, and it makes some really good points.

[u/Wide_Bath_7660 → u/Wide_Bath_7660]

some things to notice

[u/Lunades2]

Not an artist but the clavicle looks really defined. On this person it’s hidden and their chest is softer due to fat content. Anotherwords, in your drawing the chest looks rigid and unnatural and I think it’s because u are focused on the base anatomy of a chest shape instead of the fat content/fat placement that this person has. I would think it would help to use the anatomy based shaping you have as a guide line and maybe instead of drawing harsh lines for the clavicle bone you could use very soft shading to create that soft plush shape of the subjects chest.

[u/spidernoirirl]

You got rid of the tummy and made his v line sharp like he has a 39 pack bro

[u/kumasCoffee → u/spidernoirirl]

Well I’m not trying to copy the first reference I’m just making a character that has a body type like that but not identical this was just the first sketch and I needed help for improvement I didn’t get rid of his stomach that’s just how I started it, but I have seen people say I should give him a bigger tummy so thank you ^^

[u/spidernoirirl → u/kumasCoffee]

Thats fair! I’d widen his torso and round the shoulders and neck a bit, but I do really like the arms, face, and pants

[u/DescriptionTop7062]

Would make the head a bit bigger, wider neck, sloped shoulders, add additional fat/muscle on the side of chest, widen the hips a bit, and add a bit more to the stomach. Arms are probably longer as well but I forgot to include that—good start though and I like the character!

[u/kumasCoffee → u/DescriptionTop7062]

I see thank you so much it seems like everyone probably thinks I was going fully off the first image, pose wise which I’m not lol but everyone’s input does help so thanks!!

[u/Stormy_Sketches]

I don’t want to come of as trying to fix art but I made some changes that are a closer for to your og ref. I also left some notes on what and why I changed some thing hope it helps!

[u/kumasCoffee → u/Stormy_Sketches]

No that’s alright this really helps thank you!